Yorkshire has one of the richest concentrations of National Trust properties in England, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to dramatic moorland landscapes and intimate country houses. Here are the best places to visit across the county.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Fountains Abbey (54.1078, -1.5825) near Ripon is the largest monastic ruin in England and, together with the adjoining 18th-century Studley Royal Water Garden, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1132 and at its peak was one of the wealthiest monasteries in England.
The water garden, created by John Aislabie in the 1720s, is a masterpiece of Georgian landscape design with moon ponds, a canal, and carefully framed views of the abbey ruins. The deer park is home to around 340 red, fallow, and sika deer. Allow at least three hours. Easily a full day.
Address: Ripon, HG4 3DY
Brimham Rocks
Natural sculpture on the Nidderdale moors
Brimham Rocks (54.0817, -1.6828) is a collection of bizarre rock formations on Brimham Moor above Nidderdale. Sculpted over 320 million years by wind, rain, and ice, the rocks have names like the Dancing Bear, the Sphinx, and the Idol. Children love clambering over and between them.
Entry is free; parking charges apply (free for NT members). There is a small cafe in a former shooting lodge. The site is completely outdoors with uneven ground, so wear sturdy shoes.
Address: Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW
Nunnington Hall
A quiet gem in the Howardian Hills
Nunnington Hall (54.2054, -0.9738) is an atmospheric manor house tucked away in the Howardian Hills near Helmsley. The house spans several centuries and has Tudor and Stuart interiors, a panelled hall, and a haunted attic (allegedly). The walled garden and orchards run down to the River Rye, and there is a good permanent exhibition of miniature rooms in the attic.
A peaceful, uncrowded alternative to the bigger estates. Excellent for a quiet afternoon.
Address: Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY
Nostell
A Palladian house with Chippendale furniture
Nostell (53.6500, -1.3892) near Wakefield is an 18th-century Palladian mansion designed by James Paine and later extended by Robert Adam. The house contains one of the finest collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture in the country, much of it made specifically for these rooms.
The 300 acres of parkland include a lake, an adventure playground, a walled garden, and waymarked walks. The Orangery cafe serves good food. A strong option for families visiting south and west Yorkshire.
Address: Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield, WF4 1QE
East Riddlesden Hall
A haunted 17th-century manor
East Riddlesden Hall (53.8747, -1.8812) is a dark-stone Yorkshire manor house in the Aire Valley near Keighley. Built in 1642, it has mullioned windows, a magnificent Great Barn (one of the finest 17th-century aisled barns in the north), and a reputation as one of the most haunted houses in England.
The gardens are small but well tended, with a formal knot garden and a wildlife garden that attracts kingfishers. A manageable, affordable visit that works well for shorter days.
Address: Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, BD20 5EL
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens
Georgian grandeur and a portrait gallery
Beningbrough Hall (54.0208, -1.2106) is a striking red-brick Georgian house about eight miles north of York. The interior houses over 100 portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, and the walled garden has been restored as a productive kitchen garden.
The grounds include a wilderness play area, a Victorian laundry, and parkland walks. Combine with a visit to nearby York for a full day.
Address: Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
Treasurer's House, York
A hidden gem behind York Minster
The Treasurer's House (53.9631, -1.0815) sits directly behind York Minster and was home to the Treasurers of York Minster from 1100 until the role was abolished under Henry VIII. The current house is largely the creation of Frank Green, an Edwardian collector who filled it with period furniture and art.
The cellar is famous as the site of Harry Martindale's 1953 sighting of a column of Roman soldiers marching through the walls, one of the best-documented ghost sightings in England.
Address: Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL
Rievaulx Terrace
A Georgian promenade above an abbey
Rievaulx Terrace (54.2591, -1.1336) is an 18th-century landscaped grass terrace on the hillside above Rievaulx Abbey, with two ornamental temples at either end. The terrace was designed to provide a series of carefully composed views of the ruined abbey below.
Note that the Terrace is separate from Rievaulx Abbey itself, which is managed by English Heritage. The two can easily be combined in one visit.
Address: Rievaulx, Helmsley, YO62 5LJ
Malham Tarn
An upland lake in the heart of the Dales
Malham Tarn (54.0981, -2.1528) is a glacial lake set 377 metres above sea level on the limestone plateau above Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. The tarn and its surrounding bog are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the area is rich in birdlife including curlew, golden plover, and peregrine falcons.
The landscape is free to walk year-round. Combine with a walk to Malham Cove (the limestone pavement at the top featured in Harry Potter) and Gordale Scar for a classic Dales circuit.
Address: Waterhouses, Settle, BD24 9PT
Mount Grace Priory
National Trust owned, managed by English Heritage
Mount Grace Priory (54.3796, -1.3119) near Northallerton is the best-preserved Carthusian monastery in England. Unlike other monastic orders, the Carthusians lived as hermits in individual two-storey cells arranged around a large cloister. One cell has been reconstructed and furnished to show how the monks lived.
Entry is by English Heritage ticket (free for EH members). NT members should note this is an EH-managed site.
Address: Staddlebridge, Northallerton, DL6 3JG
Practical Tips
- Fountains Abbey is the headline attraction and justifies a full day. Visit early or late to avoid coach parties.
- Brimham Rocks and Nunnington Hall combine well for a day in the Harrogate/Helmsley area.
- Rievaulx Terrace pairs naturally with Rievaulx Abbey (English Heritage) and Helmsley Castle.
- Treasurer's House is the only property in York itself and makes a good addition to a city visit.
- Most houses close November to February. Outdoor properties like Brimham Rocks and Malham Tarn are open year-round.
- Membership is excellent value in Yorkshire given the number and quality of properties.
